Support for customers due to weather state of emergency
Due to the extreme weather, which caused the governor to issue an emergency declaration, Washington Health Benefit Exchange will allow customers who missed the Dec. 15 deadline to sign up for Jan. 1 coverage given the significant (and ongoing) statewide disruption.
On Dec. 10, Gov. Bob Ferguson issued a due to the flooding, wind damage, mudslides and power outages in the state of Washington. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner issued their own to insurance carriers about payment time periods.
State-based exchanges have the ability to adjust coverage start dates in the face of circumstances such as natural disasters.
To qualify, customers will need to request a retroactive start date (Jan. 1, 2026) and will be granted one if they make the request before Jan. 15, 2026. Customer support (Phone: 1-855-923-4633; TTY/TDD: 1-855-627-9604) can create a retroactive start date for these customers. Customers can also connect with their broker or navigator for support.